Accessing WiFi Hot Zones at Home or Away

"Wireless fidelity," more commonly known as WiFi, is a way of communicating between computing devices and the Internet using radio technology. The airwaves are free, and WiFi, first introduced in 1993, is now widely accessible and utilized by many people around the world.


Single WiFi hotspots are growing into "hot zones," which means wireless connections are fast becoming available for everyone to use. Visit coffee shops, stay at hotels or go to the library - there's probably a WiFi hot zone where you can make a connection to the Internet.

How WiFi Works

WiFi technology arose from standards set by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The first version, 802.11b, was relatively slow, but others followed and the technology continued to improve.

To make a WiFi connection, you must have an access point (AP). You can connect desktop computers, laptops, cell phones and PDAs and conduct business as usual. The AP, which will plug into the modem or router, picks up a signal that travels to any device with a client adapter card. Service Set Identifiers, or "SSIDs," broadcast as beacons. Ranges vary from about 100 feet to more than two miles. You'll find that distance diminishes, however, in closed spaces.

WiFi hot zones are a collective of three or more APs. These enable you to have peer-to-peer and Internet access, whether in a single building or across a network that encompasses entire blocks or cities. Within the home, there is no more need for hardwiring and dangling cords. Travel and telecommuting are easier. In fact, any business with a broadband connection can purchase APs and offer WiFi to its customers and employees.

Drawbacks are inevitable, of course. Some APs overpopulate, especially when they overlap and numerous users are making connections. You're also competing with other devices that operate within the 2.4 – 5.8 GHz band range. These include Bluetooth products, microwave ovens and security cameras.

Making the WiFi Connection with Accessories

Most new Windows and Macintosh computers have WiFi capabilities built into the system. For around $200, a WiFi card can be custom installed, but may only be compatible with one broadband supplier. You can access the chipset information through the control panel or, on a Mac, look for the Network Preferences panel or an Airport configuration option.

The access point is your base of operations, so to speak. These devices are available at varying strengths and are the central signaling force behind making the wireless connection. You can find them for as little as $60. To make any device WiFi compatible, you also need a "client" adapter. This is about the size of a credit card and activates when you plug it into a computer or PDA. Shop around for the best pricing; you can find cards and USB devices for around $50.

Depending on location, obstacles and even weather, it's often necessary to set up multiple APs throughout a home or other location to create a WiFi hot zone. These can all link back to a single connection. To increase signal quality and strength, you may also wish to add a WiFi antenna. They're inexpensive at around $10. WiFi range expanders can also give a power boost and are priced around $70.

Costs of Using WiFi

Accessing WiFi airwaves is free. However, if you want to have the benefits of locators, security and extra firewalls, minimal costs are involved. For as little as $25 per year, you can have encryption services, router security and easy e-mail configuration programs. Look for companies that also offer offline hotspot locators.

Public locations that charge for WiFi may create portals that redirect for payment before connecting. Pre-paid subscription fees through branded providers may range from approximately $8.00 for one-day usage to $20.00 per month or more.

Free public WiFi hot zones are increasingly abundant. For the owners, there is less control over who plugs in; in other words, customers may compete for the airwaves with others in the vicinity. A closed public network system incorporates software that can limit usage to a centralized customer base.
Ad-supported systems also allow users free WiFi portals. Also, some free locations do not allow outgoing e-mails, which must route through their SMTP servers. In these cases, you'll want to switch to Web-based correspondence.

WiFi Security

Unregulated airwaves also mean little or no security. Historically, it has been amazingly easy to intercept or detect someone else's information. WiFi is certainly a recommended way to stay connected when you're traveling. However, the very nature of WiFi means public access is unencrypted. Without a proper safety net, your passwords, along with personal and corporate information, are available for all to steal.

Today, however, you'll find that a strong password string is generally safe. The WPA2 (WiFi Protected Access) encryption is also stringent and would be extremely tough to crack.

For home users, most APs require configuring once they're purchased, and some new owners neglect this important step. While the threat remains across any connection, you're certainly safer now when enjoying the WiFi experience.